Investment
Executive Director
Department: Economic Development
Lisa Hurley is a Certified Economic Developer whose passion for growth and community engagement inspires action across York County and beyond. Since stepping into the role of Executive Director of York County Development Corporation (YCDC) in 2013, Lisa has been focused on creating long-term, positive impact through strategic leadership and bold collaborations.
At YCDC, Lisa leads a wide range of initiatives including business retention and expansion, workforce development, housing, and marketing. She’s been instrumental in driving forward-thinking projects and building strong public-private partnerships. Her belief that “rural is cool” is more than a slogan—it’s a guiding philosophy that fuels her work every day.
Lisa's influence extends well beyond York County. She serves as President of the National Rural Economic Developers Association, is a board member of the Nebraska Economic Developers Association, and sits on the Executive Committee of the Southeast Nebraska Economic Development District. Locally, she stays deeply involved with organizations such as the York Chamber of Commerce and the York Rotary Club.
Additionally, as Executive Director, Lisa has led a thoughtful modernization of YCDC’s internal operations—updating policies, streamlining procedures, and integrating new technologies to ensure the organization remains efficient, responsive, and future-ready.
Under Lisa’s leadership, YCDC has flourished into a hub of innovation and collaboration. Key accomplishments include raising over $2 million for a local housing revolving loan fund since 2018, championing efforts in talent development and childcare, and securing more than $600 million in business investments. She has also expanded access to data-driven decision-making tools like SizeUp|York County, helping entrepreneurs and small businesses grow smarter with localized market research. YCDC has received three prestigious International Economic Development Council awards for its work in marketing and talent strategies. Most recently, Lisa worked closely with the City of York to secure and begin planning for a new industrial park.
Every success story under Lisa’s leadership reflects the power of collaboration, strategic planning, and community spirit. Her energy, creativity, and unwavering dedication are crafting a legacy of rural vitality that will benefit York County for generations to come.
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” — Peter Drucker
And Lisa’s doing just that.